Excellent return ... Michael Clarke hit 88 runs for NSW on his return from a back injury.

Getty Images: Mark Nolan

It has been a rocky few weeks for Michael Clarke, but his standing as Australia's most important player was only enhanced by a solid comeback knock for NSW on Wednesday.

Clarke returned from a six-week injury lay-off to score 88 against Tasmania at Blacktown, a timely statement three weeks out from the Ashes that off-field rumblings have not hampered his focus.

However, it would have still come as a relief to all parties that a tense stand-off with former skipper Ricky Ponting has seemingly been put to bed.

The release of Ponting's autobiography had put the spotlight on Clarke, with the former Test skipper expressing concerns he had with Clarke as a vice-captain.

But on Wednesday Ponting said they were back on good terms after exchanging messages.

NSW was 8 for 280 off 96 overs at stumps on day one of the Sheffield Shield opener against the defending four-day champions.

Clarke was grinding his way towards a chanceless ton before he eventually nicked one behind off impressive second-game rookie Sam Rainbird (5 for 60).

The right-handed star said he was rusty on his return but was happy his back gave him no issues.

"It was nice to make a few runs. I was disappointed with my shot and to get a start and throw it away ... but it was nice to spend so much time out in the middle, I certainly needed it," Clarke said.

"I felt completely fine. I was certainly a little bit rusty and I think my legs will certainly be a little bit heavy tomorrow but it's a nice feeling to spend so much time in the middle.

"To me there's no better training than playing a game and like I've said a few times this is not about preparation for me, this is about trying to help NSW start the season well."

Clarke put on substantial partnerships with Scott Henry (48) and Steve Smith (42) before NSW lost 3 for 10 and 5 for 49 to bring the Tigers back into the contest.

His timing was not pristine, but it was a workmanlike innings from Clarke. He brought his 50 up off 103 balls and eventually faced 190 deliveries during his four hours at the crease.

Clarke's valuable time in the middle is a significant boost for Australia ahead of the first Test at Brisbane, with a firing skipper imperative to hopes of stealing the urn back from England.

After spending six weeks sidelined with a back injury, Clarke was watchful against Tasmania, pocketing eight boundaries.

However, he was visibly upset at a disappointing finish, when he attempted to late cut Rainbird but flicked one through to keeper Tim Paine.

Clarke was untroubled by the chronic back problem which earlier this year kept him out of the Champions Trophy tournament and most recently sidelined him from Australia's limited overs tour of India.

Australian opener David Warner was dismissed by Test hopeful Ben Hilfenhaus for 21, while fellow Test batsman Smith looked promising until he threw his wicket away with a loose pull shot.

Meanwhile, Australia's preparations for the first Test in Brisbane received a slight setback, with a plan to switch the Queensland v NSW Shield match starting from November 13 to the Gabba knocked on the head.

It was hoped Test players involved would get a pre-Ashes hit-out at the first Test venue, but the match will take place as scheduled at Allan Border Field.